Articles

       In a judgment upon Jerusalem, there was “darkness and sorrow, and the light is darkened in THE HEAVENS thereof.” (Isaiah 5:30)  In another pronouncement upon Jerusalem God says, “For this shall THE EARTH mourn, and THE HEAVENS above be black…”  Nothing happened in the physical HEAVENS here as well. 

     In Ezekiel 32:7, a prophecy is given to Pharaoh , “And when I shall put thee out, I will cover THE HEAVEN, and make the stars thereof dark.” Yet again, nothing in the physical HEAVENS happened here either.

     Matthew 5:17,18 “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets; I am not come do destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, TILL HEAVEN and EARTH PASS, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, TILL ALL BE FULFILLED.”  DID JESUS FULFILL THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS?  YES, THEREFORE, HEAVEN AND EARTH HAVE PASSED. THE OLD HEAVENS AND EARTH, THAT IS, THE OLD COVENANT RULE, HEADQUARTERED IN JERUSALEM, HAS PASSED AWAY.  THE NEW JERUSALEM HAS NOW TABERNACLED GOD WITH MAN, AND ALL THINGS ARE NEW, IN THE NEW JERUSALEM, NEW COVENANT, NEW MAN, NEW WINESKINS, NEW BOTTLES, NEW GARMENTS, NEW TEMPLE, NEW CREATION, AND NEW ISRAEL. (Rev.21:1-5) YES, THE NEW ISRAEL! GO SEE WHAT THESE SCRIPTURES MEAN! (Mt.3:9, 21:43, Jn.8:33, 39, 41,44, Rm.2:28,29, 4:3,11, 9:8, Gal.3:16, 6:16, Col.3:10,11, 1 Pet.2:9, Rev.2:9, 3:9)

    This same reference to “HEAVEN and EARTH” in relation to A COVENANT, is what we are looking at in Revelation 20:10.  “HEAVEN and the EARTH  fled away.”  “FLED AWAY” is the same thing that is in 2 Peter 3:10, when it says, “the HEAVENS SHALL PASS AWAY.”  And as we have just read above, the word's of Jesus tell us the same thing, “Till HEAVEN and EARTH PASS.” (Formal farewell in 70AD.)

     In Revelation 21:1-5, “And I saw a NEW HEAVEN and a NEW EARTH, for “the first heaven” and  

“first covenant”(Heb.8:7)

“the first old”(Heb.8:13)

“the first.. murmured” (Mt.20:10,11)  “the eleventh hour”, the last hour of the Old Covenant! “It is the last hour.” (1 Jn.2:18)  The new day of The New Covenant's establishment was at hand!  The night was far spent, the new day of the new covenant. was at hand.”  (Rm.13:11), (2 Pet.1:19)

“first man Adam”  (1 Cor.15:45) “first …that which is natural, and afterward that which is spiritual.”  (1 Cor. 15:46) “first man…earthy …second man…from heaven.”  (1 Cor. 15:47) “first son of Abraham…Old Covenant bondage…Old Jerusalem.” (Galatians 4:22-31)  “first covenant”  (Heb.9:1) “first tabernacle”  (Heb. 9:8) …the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while   as the first tabernacle was yet standing.” “first testament”  (Heb. 9:15) “first testament”  (Heb.9:18) “the first”  (Heb.10:9) “He taketh AWAY “the first,”  that He may establish the second!  

“the first EARTH PASSED AWAY…And I John saw the HOLY CITY , NEW JERUSALEM, coming down from God out of HEAVEN  (Gal.4:26, “New covenant.”)  prepared as  A BRIDE adorned for her husband.” (Rev. 21:2)  Who is the BRIDE of Christ?  The NEW COVENANT PEOPLE, THE CHURCH , are now established with God's HEAVENLY authority on EARTH.  Now that the OLD TEMPLE and it system is removed,  the new can be made manifest, clear for all to see.  “The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest (clearly seen), while as the first  TABERNACLE was yet standing.” (Heb.9:8) 

     “…The TABERNACLE of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his (covenant) people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” (Rev. 21:3)  “…For the former things are PASSED AWAY.”  And He that sat upon the throne (none physical) said, Behold, I make ALL THINGS NEW.” (Rev. 21:5)  The CORPORATE NEW CREATION is now established, and the CORPORATE OLD MAN ADAM, THE OLD COVENANT, IS NOW PASSED AWAY!  Remember, that both Covenant's headquarters were in Jerusalem.   The Old in the physical Jerusalem that “now is” (Now is in the first century.), and the New Covenant in the Jerusalem which is above.  Also, both have a temple, one of stones made by hands, the other of living stones made by the hand of God, forming the temple/body of Christ, the Church. (Gal.4:22-26, 2 Cor.5:1) 

Revelation 20:11“The Earth and the Heaven FLED AWAY; and there was FOUND NO PLACE for them.” Revelation 16:20  “And every Island FLED AWAY, and the mountains were NOT FOUND.”

     The book of Revelation uses an Eastern/Asian (1:4) style of communicating, saying the same thing again and again in many different ways.  These two verses are a perfect example of this.  

     “And every ISLAND FLED AWAY…” What  do we know from the rest of scripture about ISLANDS?  

Gen .10:5  “…the ISLANDS of the Gentiles, divided in their lands;”

Psalm 72:10 “The kings of Tarshish and of the ISLANDS shall bring presents; the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.”

Isaiah 11:10,11 “…a root of Jesse (The Messiah), …to it shall the Gentiles seek…to recover the remnant of his people,…from the ISLANDS of the sea.”

Isaiah 24:14-16  “…they shall cry aloud from the sea.  Wherefore glorify ye the Lord in the fires, even the name of the Lord God of Israel in the ISLANDS of the sea.  From the uttermost part of the earth.” (Sounds like Acts 1:8 to me.)

Isaiah 60:5 “Because the abundance OF THE SEA shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.”

Revelation 21:1 “…and there was NO MORE SEA.” 

      Perhaps the father of Preachers could some up the clear meaning of Islands referring to Gentiles throughout the scriptures.  On Revelation 21:1 He says, “Is not the text to be read as a metaphor, tinged with the prejudice with which the Oriental mind universally regard the sea in olden times? There must be a spiritual meaning here.  In the new dispensation (He no longer shares this dispensational idea) there will be NO DIVISION--THE SEA SEPERATES NATIONS AND SUNDERS PEOPLES FROM EACH OTHER.  To John in Patmos the deep waters were like prison walls, shutting him out from his brethren and his work: There shall be NO SUCH BARRIERS in the world to come.”  -Charles Spurgeon.

       The Old Covenant barriers and boundaries were now removed.  But now in Christ Jesus “ YE WHO SOMETIMES WERE FAR OFF  (ISLANDS OF THE GENTILES) ARE MADE NIGH BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST.” FOR HE IS OUR PEACE, WHO HATH MADE BOTH (Jew and Gentile) ONE, AND HATH BROKEN DOWN THE MIDDLE WALL (Barrier) OF PARTITION BETWEEN US…TO MAKE IN HIMSELF OF THE TWO, ONE NEW MAN, SO MAKING PEACE; AND THAT HE MIGHT RECONCILE BOTH UNTO GOD IN ONE BODY BY THE CROSS, HAVING SLAIN THE ENMITY THEREBY: AND CAME AND PREACED PEACE TO YOU (GENTILES) WHICH WERE AFAR OFF, AND TO THEM THAT WERE NIGH (JEWS). (Ephesians 2:13-17)

“FOR THE PROMISE IS MADE UNTO YOU (JEWS), AND TO YOUR CHILDREN, AND TO ALL (All flesh, not just Jews within Israel now. Joel 2:28-32, Rom.10:11,12) THAT ARE AFAR OFF (GENTILES), EVEN AS MANY AS THE LORD OUR GOD SHALL CALL.” (Acts 2:39)

     The sea is removed, and the only waters in the New Covenant are found in the pure river of the water of life!  It's available to WHOSOEVER (Rom.10:11,12-Jew and Gentile) will let him take the water of life freely.”  Freely received, with no works required!  (Revelation 22:17) These waters are clear as crystal and stable as transparent glass.  Unlike the unstable sea, and the darkness of its divisions, which ascend from the abyss!  For such divisions between Jew and Gentile FLED AWAY with the Old Covenant's passing away!   

     Revelation 16:20 …and the mountains were not found.”  What do we know about MOUNTAINS from the rest of scripture? 

Psalm 46:2-6  “ Verse 2 “…though the MOUNTAINS be carried into the midst of the sea:”  Verse 3 “…though the MOUNTAINS  SHAKE…” Verse 4 “…THE CITY OF GOD…(Verse 5) …She shall NOT BE MOVED.  Verse 6 “…The heathen raged, the KINGDOMS WERE MOVED.” He uttered his voice, the earth melted.”  Hebrews 12:22, 27, 28 clarifies the above. “But you are come to MOUNT ZION, and unto THE CITY OF  THE LIVING GOD, the heavenly Jerusalem,…”, “…things which CANNOT BE SHAKEN…”“ Wherefore we receiving a KINGDOM which CANNOT BE MOVED!”  Galatians 4:24- 26 Speaks of two covenants, one from MOUNT SINAI (vs..24), the PHYSICAL CITY OF JERUSALEM in the first century (vs.25), which was the host city of the Old Covenant, and it's bondage. Then, it refers to the New Covenant, with its host CITY, the JERUSALM WHICH IS ABOVE. (vs.26)  Hebrews 12:22 calls this same city and covenant, MOUNT ZION, the HEAVENLY JERUSALEM.   

     We see above that a mountain /kingdom is synonymous with the capital city of that kingdom.  The Kingdom of God's capital city is the above, heavenly, New Jerusalem.  Even today, “Washington (DC)” is referred to around the world synonymously with the United States.  Similarly, Moscow, London, Perris, and Peking are synonymous with the nation with which they are the capitol city of.

     Below, is a list of scriptures that all confirm the use of the term MOUNTAIN in relationship to a KINGDOM.  

Isaiah 41:14-16 “…Israel; I will help thee, saith the Lord (vs.14)…I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh THE MOUNTAINS, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as CHAFF.  Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away…”  This was not speaking of the newest John Deer Earthmover.  But, as we read in Daniel 2:35, KINGDOMS 'became like the CHAFF…and the wind carried them away THAT NO PLACE WAS FOUND FOR THEM.”  Daniels CHAFF was the remains of KINGDOMS crushed by God.  So is Isaiah's CHAFF , the remains of KINGDOMS/MOUNTAINS.  “THAT NO PLACE WAS FOUND FOR THEM.”  

Revelation 20:11 …“the earth and heaven fled away, AND THERE WAS FOUND NO PLACE FOR THEM.”  Revelation 16:20 “And every island fled away, and the MOUNTAINS WERE FOUND NOT.”

     Clearly the MOUNTAINS or KINGDOMS CANNOT BE FOUND.  This would be because they've been blown away by the wind of the Spirit.  

Isaiah 64:1-3 “Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that THE MOUNTAINS might flow down AT THY PRESENCE, As when the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that THE NATIONS may tremble AT THY PRESENCE!  When thou didst terrible things which we looked not for, thou camest down, THE MOUNTAINS flowed down AT THY PRESENCE.”  Clearly here as well, “NATIONS are used interchangeably with MOUNTAINS.” 

Jeremiah 51:24,25 “BABYLON…Behold, I am against thee, O DESTROYING MOUNTAIN, saith the Lord, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and WILL MAKE THE A BURNT MOUNTAIN.”

     Speaking of a BURNING MOUNTAIN let's look at one in the book of Revelation.  Revelation 8:8 “And the second angel sounded, and as it were a GREAT MOUNTAIN BURNING  with fire was cast into the sea…”  “Fire, of course, is in reference to judgment upon this MOUNTAIN/KINGDOM.  In the beginning of this chapter, Revelation 8:2-4, we read of prayers ascending as incense before God.  Revelation 6:10 says, “And they CRIED WITH A LOUD VOICE, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and AVENGE OUR BLOOD on them that dwell on the earth?”  Luke 18:1-8 say's, “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;…The widow then approaches the judge saying  AVENGE ME OF MINE ADVERSARY.  Jesus asks, “And shall not God AVENGE HIS OWN ELECT, WHICH CRY DAY AND NIGHT UNTO HIM.”…I tell you that he will AVENGE THEM SPEEDILY.  Nevertheless WHEN THE SON OF MAN COMETH, SHALL HE FIND FAITH IN THE LAND?  These martyred saints were not on the earth, but did  have this faith in calling for their blood to be AVENGED. This is the same VENGEANCE  we read of in Luke 21:20,22 “And when YE shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.”  “ For these be the DAYS OF VENGEANCE, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.”  Perhaps it was their same prayers in Revelation 6:10, that ascended up to God, and SPEEDILY we see the MOUNTAIN / NATION BEING JUDGED WITH FIRE, and being cast into the sea.”  (Rev. 8:8)  Where in the Bible do we read about FAITH, and A MOUNTAIN being CAST INTO THE SEA? 

     Matthew 21:19 Jesus cursed the fig tree for not bearing fruit.  He says, “Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward FOREVER.  At times, in scripture the fig tree can be in reference to the nation of Israel. This clearly seems not to be the case in Mt. 24:32  Jesus says in Lk. 21:29, Behold the “fig tree”, “and all the trees.”  In this passage “these things” (vs.31) is the point of emphasis, not the fig tree, or else Jesus wouldn't have added “and all the trees.”  However, if one maintains that “the fig tree” is Israel, it's cursed to bear no fruit forever.  It could only be headed toward the inevitable season of becoming tender and putting  forth leaves, preceding it's fully ripe stage.  Fully ripe for judgment! The timing of which was within THAT generation!

      Matthew 21:21  Jesus says, “Verily I say unto you, IF ye have FAITH, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto THIS MOUNTAIN,  Be thou removed, and be thou CAST INTO THE SEA; it shall be done.”  The Mount of Olives was in plain view here. The Living Bible, though it's not a translation, even says, “say to this Mount of Olives.”  Also, Paul refers to Israel as the Olive tree in Romans 11.  It's also referred to as the vineyard.  This was the OLD COVENANT NATION/MOUNT SINAI.  (Gal.4:24)  This MOUNTAIN /  NATION of  ISRAEL was not  rendering him the fruits in their seasons. (Matthew 21:41)  Jesus responds to this by saying, “Therefore I say unto you, THE KINGDOM OF GOD SHALL BE TAKEN FROM YOU, AND GIVEN TO  A NATION  BRINGING FORTH THE FRUITS THEREOF.” (Matthew 21:43)

     No one believes that any of the “MOUNTAINS” listed above are in reference to physical MOUNTAINS.  Except, many would say that the passage in Revelation 16:20, which refers to “Mountains not being found,” is referring to physical mountains.  Why, in this most symbolic of books in the Bible, would we not line this passage up with the figurative uses of MOUTAINS , which are throughout the Old, and New Testament.  Remember, that Revelation draws from the Old Testament, more than any other New Testament book. For the hard core literalist, here's a begging question.  If all the physical mountains are removed in Revelation 16:20, then how can Jesus physically return to the Mount of Olives after this event?

     Furthermore, in the New Testament we see not only this figurative MOUNTAIN in Matthew 21, and Mark 11, but also in Luke.  Luke 3:5 says, “Every valley shall be filled, and every MOUNTAIN and hill shall be brought low…” Mountains are those things that stand out above the rest of the landscape.  That exalt themselves above all else.  All majesty, glory, and honor are God's alone.  All the kingdom's of men that compete with His majesty, glory, and honor, shall be brought low.  “And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased: and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”  (Mt.23:12)  “For thine is  the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.  Amen.”  (Mt.6:13)  “…My glory will I not give to another.” 

(Isaiah 42:8)

     Finally, in Daniel we see a stone was cut out without hands, breaking up all other kingdoms to pieces,     A STONE  THAT BECAME A GREAT MOUNTAIN, AND FILLED THE WHOLE EARTH!      (Daniel  2:34, 35)  All other MOUNTAINS/KINGDOMS are consumed by the vastness of this kingdom's power, and glory, forever.  Amen.”

     So why this scenic route through the mountains.  If we can see that all other kingdoms are now under the authority of this one KINGDOM / MOUNTAIN that covers the whole earth, then we can understand that  the book of Revelation says, “… the HEAVEN and EARTH of the Old Covenant MOUNTAIN/ KINGDOM  (Gal.4:25,26, Heb.12:22) have fled away; and  there was found no place for them.” (Rev. 20:11)  And, that it's saying the same thing when it says, “And every ISLAND fled away, and the MOUNTAINS were not found.” (Rev.16:20) Not only is the Old Covenant crushed to pieces by this KINGDOM, but all KINGDOMS are under its authority!  And, no it's not a KINGDOM without a king.  I think the kings name starts with a “J” , or something like that.  If we could see this, then we might be able to grow up and come of age to receive the inheritance of the kingdom. We then might SEE the real land promises of the kingdom!  (Mt.13:44)  “THE KINGDOMS OF THIS WORLD ARE BECOME THE KINGDOMS OF OUR LORD, AND OF HIS CHRIST; AND HE SHALL REIGN FOREVER AND EVER!  He is reigning, if we would but believe this and let him do so in us, we would enter into this reign.  Let's begin by letting Him renew our minds to understanding that this reign is here, now, and will never be more accessible than it is right here, and right now!  Does eschatology matter?  Is this scripture fulfilled, or is it something that we might get a taste of now, but it's really referring to someday in the sweet bye and bye,  pie in the sky, someday when I die?  BIBLE PROPHECY MATTERS!

     Revelation 20:11 “So HEAVEN and EARTH fled away, and there was found no place for them.” This is the wind of the Spirit blowing away the Old Covenant, which was God's highest (HEAVEN'S) authority on EARTH.   The Old passed away, so that The New Covenant would now be established on EARTH as the highest (HEAVEN'S) authority on EARTH.    

     Revelation 20:12 “And I saw the dead small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened, and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.”  After the Old Covenant system of death, under the law was destroyed, all who stood before God according to the law's standard, stood condemned!  That whole system was dependent upon the expectation and hope of The Messiah, who would end it.  He would then begin His reign in His Kingdom.  To now approach God by one's own works, without the shedding of blood (Lev.17:11), brings the required death penalty upon those who present  their own works.  “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name?  and in thy name have cast out devils?  And IN THY NAME DONE MANY WONDERFUL WORKS?  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, Ye that WORK iniquity.” (Mt.7:22,23)  “What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? This is the WORK of God, that ye BELIEVE on him whom he hath sent.”  (John 6:28,29) “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast.” (Eph.2:8,9)  With this New Covenant economy instated, now all men stand before God, either condemned under their own self condemning works, or justified by the grace of His own sacrifice.  It's interesting that Cain/Adam is still at work today presenting his own works, with murder in his heart towards Abel's/Jesus' blood sacrifice, which is an act of mercy and grace.  “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” (Rom.3:20)  “NOT BY WORKS of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” (Titus 3:5) It's either a work of the Spirit producing fruit, or the flesh working under the law, straining to offer works of righteousness which are as filthy menstruation rag's. (Isaiah 64:6)  Thanks, but why don't you hold onto those yourself, says the Lord. Get that stench out of my presence!  You've thoroughly offended me by bringing this filth into my presence, depart from me, Ye that WORK iniquity!

     The dead  in Revelation 20:12, are those who are “dead in trespasses and sins”  (Eph.2:1)  Those who had been resurrected out of Adam's sin-death, through the resurrected life in the Spirit, had their names written in the book of life. (vs. 15)  Those dead, who hadn't been resurrected by the Spirit in the New Birth, would be judged under the condemnation of their own works.  Again, those written in the book of life, had been raised to life in the spirit, producing fruit/works of HIS righteousness.  “And their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.” (Isaiah 54:17)  “I am the vine, ye are the branches: HE THAT ABIDETH IN ME , AND I IN HIM, THE SAME BRINGETH FOR MUCH FRUIT: FOR WITHOUT ME YE CAN DO NOTHING.”  (John 15:5)  An example of such fruit can be seen in the following passage.  “…help those women which LABOURED with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my FELLOWLABOURERS, whose names are in THE BOOK OF LIFE.” (Philippians 4:3, The same book as Rev.20:12.) Remember, that this is a non physical book, in a judgment at the end of the age, which is both  visible and non visible.  This passage in Revelation 20:12 is none visible.  

     We must remember that all of this scene is happening in the invisible realm, with the invisible God, sitting on an invisible throne.  It can also help to remind ourselves that the sayings of the prophecy of this book were AT HAND.  (Rev. 22:10) 

Revelation 20:13 “And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.”

The SEA, DEATH, and HELL  are all in reference to the underworld and spiritual darkness. 

THE SEA is that unstable place, absent of faith (James 1:6, Mt.14:30, 31).  It's dividing of peoples is seen as the lowest, and darkest of places.  The most hideous of creatures are manifested as one descends.  More and more grotesque do these creatures become as one descends.  They make the latest Hollywood horror creatures look quite friendly and kind.  This is to testify in the natural, of the same reality that exists in spiritual darkness.  It also contrasts the height of God's ways, glory, light and beauty, which we all cannot ascend to. (Rom.3:23)  It's a place for real lowlifes, as opposed to the place of the highest heavenly life available as a gift for all.  (John 10:10, Rom.6:23, Rev. 22:17)  Why not trade in that miserable wreck of an old, dark, scary, and hideous life, in for a new life paid in full, with no hidden payments in the fine print.  It comes with top of the line spiritual engineering, that can turn on a dime, endures forever, and offers a life time of free maintenance, oil, and fuel.  What's the catch?  None, only leave that old piece of dung behind.  The new will get you to see places you never could have imagined.  The old may break down before you can even get out of town, and will definitely not last forever. 

     “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”  (Isaiah 55:8,9) The contrast in Revelation 20:13 is shown in how low can one go.  The lowest of lows is the abyss.  “And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep/abyss.”  (Luke 8:31) Even the demons are afraid of going to this dark, and creepy place.  The “deep” is the Greek word Abussos, meaning abyss, bottomless pit. 

     Death and hell is the sin-death brought upon all in Adam, who was under the death penalty of  law. Yes, Adam was under law, not grace.  Of course, He was not given the same details involved under the law given by Moses, yet he was still under the law. “Thou shalt not”, is law. Sin was not imputed until Moses, that is, the clear legal case had not been spelled out, nor was blood being offered as the propitiation for sin. Yet, the animal skins were immediately seen as types pointing towards the sacrificial system. (Gen.3:21)  And sin-death was reigning from Adam to Moses.  (Romans 5: 12-21)  Hosea 6:7 says, “But LIKE ADAM they have transgressed THE COVENANT…”  That is, The Covenant based upon works. Again, he did not eat the grace from the tree of life, which gives eternal life. (Romans 6:23, 2 Cor. 3:7) 

     In Matthew 25:46 , “everlasting punishment” uses the Greek word “aionios”  for everlasting.  It's the same word we find in John 3:16 for “everlasting life.”  This would mean that everlasting punishment is as enduring as everlasting life. I wish I was wrong about this. Some maintain that this really means age enduring punishment.  But, if we're in the age of the everlasting covenant, then I don't see an end to this punishment. I know one thing, and that's that  I wouldn't want to try and assure someone that they need not be concerned about everlasting punishment, and then find out that I was in error about it and had misinformed them.  On the other hand, I know that condemnation preaching is fruitless in reaching those who are condemned already.  (Jn.3:18)  So, I just stand for the conveyance of the goodness of Jesus to lead one to repentance, to come out from under the wrath of God that abides on them. (Jn.3:36  Rom.2:4)

     Hell here, is the Greek word “Hades”, which Strong's first describes as being something “UNSEEN”.  Clearly, we must understand that this seen in Revelation 20 is taking place in the UNSEEN realm.  Strong's goes on to say that hades is the place/state of departed souls, the grave, and hell.  Other scholars say that the term is related to Pluto, god of the lower regions.  Also related to Orcus, the nether world, in a dark and dismal place. “Hades” is the same forces and powers of darkness that oppose The Church, the light of the world. (Mt.5:14)  But “the gates/strategies/leaders of “hades” will not prevail against it.” (Mt.16:18)  “Gates,” or a cities entrance, was the place for the city's wisest and most influential leaders to be gathered.  Here they applied their wisdom toward the ruling of that city.  (Prov.31:23)  In contrast, we see the churches prevailing wisdom and authority.  “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.” (Eph.3:10)  But these forces here are “heavenly”, not from the lower world.  Again, words are used to describe happenings in the spiritual dimension.  Both descriptions are describing the same thing in different ways.  We must see that heavenly authority and powers are people (Rom.13:1), who can be influenced by the kingdom of God, or the kingdom of darkness.  Jesus saw the power of God through the disciples as it was bringing down Satan's authority. (Luke 10:18,19) Heaven is used throughout scripture to convey ruling authority, which when taken away is described in terms such as falling/bowing stars, heavens bowing and their darkening etc… (Gen.37:9, Is.13:10, Ps.18:9) “I beheld Satan as lightening fall from heaven.  Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.  Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.”  This is what  we just read in Revelation 20:12,  about this same book of life.  On one side, you have eternal life and light, through the work/fruit of the spirit and grace upon individuals.  On the other hand, you have eternal death and darkness through the works of the flesh and the law  upon individuals.  

Revelation 20:14 “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire.  This is the second death.”  The  sin-death system of the law, being ruled by hell/hades  (Mt.20:13, 23:15,33) ,and it's corrupt and manipulative rulers, is now to face judgment/fire. The language for judgment usually always involves fire.  “And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast (Rome), these shall hate the whore (Jerusalem), and shall make her DESOLATE (Lk.21:20) and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and BURN HER WITH FIRE.  (Lev.21:9)  “THE WHORE…she shall be BURNT WITH FIRE.  The very law they stood so proudly under, condemned them to this judgment.   Jesus asked these same leaders, “how can ye escape the damnation of hell? (Mt.23:33)  He condemns them as well when He says, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees,  hypocrites!  For ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold the child of hell than yourselves.” (Mt.23:15)  And again He says, “ But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth HIS ARMIES, and destroyed those murderers, an BURNED UP THEIR CITY.” Not only was their city, temple, (Sin-death system.) burned to the ground, but it and they would be judged in the lake of fire forever. “This is the second death”, the judgment forever upon each individual (Rev.14:11), and the judgment of their city and temple, which meant more to them than life itself. The fire/judgment upon that system, city, and first century leaders would continue forever, with its smoke ascending forever.  “THE GREAT WHORE…her smoke rose up forever and ever.” (Rev.19:2,3) Anyone in our day and age involved with attempting to rebuild that condemned system/temple in that city, better have good fire insurance!  Adam's sin-death and the ensuing system, which was only a type intended only to point to the blood sacrifice of Christ, is now completely judged.  (Rom 5:12-21)

     If this was the second death, what is the first death?  Being dead in sins and trespasses.  (Eph.2:1)“Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God…” (Revelation 20:6 )    Having taken part in the first resurrection, being born of the Spirit to a new life in Christ, these individuals would have heeded the words of Jesus to get out of the city (Lk.21:20, 21).  In so doing they would not have had to face the horrors of the city's besieging.  Much more importantly, they would have avoided the ultimate horror of eternal torment .  (Rev.14:11) Those in the first resurrection would also have received the PRIESTHOOD of God in a temple made without hands, rather than remaining in the old temple system, with its corrupt and doomed priests.  (1 Peter 2:5, 9)  It had become a system being empowered by Hades, and would go down in judgment taking down with it it's evil overseers.  “For ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the CHILD OF HELL/HADES  than yourselves.”  (Mt. 23:15) The system run by Hades,  it's leaders and their followers, would be judged by fire, forever.  “For our God is a consuming fire.”  (Heb. 12:29) Also, all that continue to be under the condemnation of the law, with their condemned works, will face this same fire.  “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment/fire”  (Heb. 9:27) 

     As an individual, a person can have their body as the temple of the Holy Spirit, with Jesus dwelling in them.  This building can be built on the rock of Christ, with the solid foundation of responding in faith to His words, as its foundation or not.  If not, it's built upon nothing but sand.  It's destruction is sure, in facing the storm of physical death.  (Mt.7:24-29)  This solid foundation in Matthew 7 is also in the context of a tree producing either evil fruit/works, or good fruit/works. (Mt. 7:18)  This tree's fruit is then related to false prophets, which Judaism and it's under law, works based system, lead the way in professing falsehood.  It was the False Prophet of Revelation which faced the lake of fire's judgment.  (Rev.19:20)  So it is with an individual who is approaching God under a works based system.  They face this same consuming fire.  No other foundation can ANYONE  lay (Except for “Jews”, according to John Haggee.) than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”  (1 Cor. 3:11)  A life/house/temple not built on this rock foundation, will experience the words of Jesus, “and great was the fall of it”. A great fall descending in the bottomless pit. Again, nothing solid under the feet of that individual.  Only Jesus is solid enough to stand upon, with no other foundation.  There is no other name whereby we must be saved.  (Acts 4:12) Upon this foundation can be built fire enduring gold, silver, and precious stones, or the very flammable wood, hay, and stubble.  Rewards can be abundant, or none at all.  Only the inflammable Rock of Christ can get one through the fire.  Without the inflammable Rock, nothing gets through the fire, but only remains in the fire.  The smoke of this fiery torment ascends forever (Rev.14:11), in everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his messengers.  (Mt.25:41)   

Revelation 20:15  “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”  The decision is for whosoever will take and receive the satisfying water of life. (John 4:14, 7:38)   One may live on a street that's described as a crystal clear, transparent glass river. (Rev. 21:21, 22:2) This address is in the Holy Spirit, and written in the Book of Life.  The other location is found in another book, located on a dark, unsafe, and condemned street.  It is the old factory building of Adam's productions.  A condemned building producing nothing worthy, only vagrant criminals.  It's a very dark and lonely place.  Residents at this address also suffer continual thirst, with no relief.  (John 4:13, Luke 16:24)  This lake front address has only the fire of judgment, with no accessible water.

     “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”   “And let him that is athirst come.  And whosoever will let him take the water of life freely.”     (John 3:36, Revelation 22:17)  

      In conclusion, the “THOUSAND YEAR REIGN” of Jesus, was the complete and total authority of ruling with a spiritual rod of authority given to the first century church.  (Rev. 2:26,27, Acts 17:6, Romans 16:20)  The use of the term “A THOUSAND” is not once used in scripture numerically, but rather always in a figurative sense to convey the meaning of totality and completeness.   This time of complete authority and the turning Satan's world (2 Cor. 4:4) upside down, was brought to a halt when a final counter attack occurred.  This counter attack was the tribulation period, from 64-70A.D.. The harlot system of Judaism, the law, the temple, and the city of Jerusalem, were all judged in a final conflagration.  I can only end this study by saying, I've told you “A THOUSAND”  times, that Revelation 20 is not about mathematics!  “If someone wanted to take God to court, would it be possible to answer him even once in A THOUSAND times?”  (Job 9:3)  If  “A THOUSAND” is to be taken mathematically here, then God may be limited to only defending himself  A THOUSAND  times.  After  “A THOUSAND” attempts, one could challenge Him.  That is,  if “A THOUSAND” is being used in a numeric here, or in the Book of Revelation!  In the first century, the “THOUSAND YEAR REIGN”, which is included within “the sayings of the prophecy of this book”, was one of the sayings which must shortly come to pass, and be DONE , for the time was   AT HAND!  (Rev. 1:1,22:6,10)  Therefore, the battle for the credibility of  Scripture is AT HAND!  The Revolution is  AT HAND! 

By GARRET PAUL PARRISH

www.BibleProphecyFulfilled.org     
 

EPILOGUE 

     Eusebius Pamphilius,   (263-339 A.D.) Bishop of Caesarea in Palestine.  Here are some of his thoughts on  “THE THOUSAND YEAR REIGN.”   The following are excerpts from comments made concerning the Writings of Papias, in Book 3, Chapter 39. 

     “This same historian (Papias) also gives other accounts, which he says he adds as received by him from unwritten tradition, likewise certain strange parables of our Lord, and of His doctrine and some other matters rather to fabulous.  In these he says there would be A CERTAIN MILLENNIUM after the resurrection, and that there would be a corporeal reign of Christ on this very earth; which things he appears to have imagined, as if they were authorized by the apostolic narrations, not understanding correctly those matters which they propounded mystically in their representations.  For he was very limited in his comprehension, as is evident from his discourses; yet he was the cause why most of the ecclesiastical writers, urging the antiquity of man, were carried away by a similar opinion; as, for instance, Irenaeus, or any other that adopted such sentiments.”  

      Epiphanies,  (315-403 A.D.) Early Church father states the following;  

      “There is indeed A MILLENNIUM by St. John; but the most, and those pious men, look upon those words as true indeed, but to be taken in a spiritual sense.”   

     Charles Spurgeon, known as the “Father of Preachers” seems to have adjusted his view of “THE THOUSAND YEAR REIGN” over the years.  Perhaps this resulted after his reading of “The Parousia,” by James Stuart Russell.  Spurgeon states concerning it, “Though the author's theory is carried too far (He doesn't believe this today), it has so much truth in it, and throws so much light upon obscure portions of the Scriptures, and is accompanied with so much critical research and close reasoning, that it can be injurious to none and may be profitable to all.”  As we will see, Spurgeon seemed to move more toward what's referred to today as a “pan-millennial view”, meaning that it will all “pan out” in the “end.”  One can see this as he discusses the writings of B.C. Young.  B.C. Young argues “that the coming of Christ will not be pre-millennial: that His reign will not be personal.”  “Personal” here, of course, means “bodily”,  “physically”, or “visibly.” This argument can be read in full within Spurgeon's writings, “In The Sword and Trowel,” 1:470.  (October 1867)   Spurgeon states, “Those who wish to see the arguments upon the unpopular side of the great question at issue, will find them here; this is probably one of the ablest of the accessible treatises from that point of view.  We cannot agree with Mr. Young, neither can we refute him.  It might tax the ingenuity of the ablest prophetical writers to solve all the difficulties here stated, and perhaps it would be unprofitable to attempt the task…”